Chiropractic table



' w. e WILLIAMS.

CHIROPRACTIC TABLE.

,APPLICATION FILED DEC; II, 1920- Patentd Dec. 6, .1921.

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CHIROPRACTIC TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED own. 1920.

Patented Dec. 6, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

w. a. WILLIAMS. CHIROPRACTIC TABLE.

I APPLICATION'HLED DEC. H, 1920.

1,399,419. Patented Dec. 6,1921..

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o wanton W. G; WILLIAMS. CHIROPRACTIC TABLE. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 11, 1920;

-Pate'nted'Dec. 6, 1921 5 SHEETS-SHEET 4- Q Q N w N a L J A I .0 l||l|l W. G. WILLIAMS.

CHIROPRACTIC TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.1'I, I920. 7 1,399,419, Patented Dec. 6, 192.1.

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2f 5c 6d If 5 I 6 JA attorney;

UNITED STATES WILLIAM G. WILLIAMS, 0] ELGIN, ILLINOIS.

CHIROPRACTIC TABLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 1921.

Application filed December 11, 1920. Serial No. 429,962.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VVILLIAM Gr. VVIL- LIAMS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Elgin, in the county of Kane and State of Illinois have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Chiropractic Tables; and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

This invention is an improvement in chiropractic tables of the type shown in my Patent No. 1,269,354, dated June 11, 1918, and whereon the patient can be comfortably lowered from a standing to a horizontal position when being placed upon the table, and can be raised to a vertical position after being operated upon.

The invention provides novel means for raising the table frame when a patient is to be placed thereon, and for cushioning the lowering of the table frame with a patient thereon; to provide novel means whereby the tension of the springs for raising and for cushioning the lowering of the table frame can beregulated; to provide auxiliary spring means to operate when the table frame is being lowered with a patient and for automatically throwing such spring means out of action when the table frame is nearly completely raised; to provide novel means for adjusting the abdominal supporting cushion whereby the same may be either held rigid or can be yieldingly supported with more or less resistance by suitable springs; to provide novel means for adjusting the leg cushion; to provide novel means for adjusting the head cushion to any desired angle; and to provide novel means whereby the members of the head cushion can be readily adjusted toward or from each other so as to provide a space between them or close them together according to the'desired position of the patient upon the table. Other minor objects and novel features of the invention will behereinafter set forth.

I will explain the invention with reference to the accompanyin drawings which illustrate one practical ciiiropractic table embodying the invention and will enable others to fully understand the invention and adapt and use the same, but I do not consider the invention restricted to the arrangement of parts illustrated in the drawings and therefore refer to the appended claims for summaries of the essentials of the invention, and the novelfeatures of construction and novel combination of parts therein, for all of which protection is desired.

In said drawings;

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the complete table showing the table frame in lowered position in full lines, and indicating it partly raised in dotted lines.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of Fig. 1, with the various cushions removed, but indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the left hand part of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the right hand part of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the base section partly broken away to show the arrangement of the springs.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 Fig. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 6 is a detail view of part of the leg cushion adjusting devices.

Fig. 7 is a detail view showing the head cushion adjusting devices.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of part of the abdominal cushion adjusting devices.

As shown in the drawings the table comprises a lower supporting or base portion and an upper adjustable table portion which as a whole is hingedly mounted upon the base so it can be swung from a substantially vertical to a horizontal position to facilitate the patients getting upon or off of the table.

The base portion as shown comprises two opposite side castings 1 near one end thereof, the lower ends of which are attached to bars 1 which extend approximately parallel and horizontally away from the members 1 and are connected at their ends opposite the members 1 by casting 1 The castings 1 and 1 are preferably provided with dependent portions .which form four point supports for the base; Thebars 1 may be connected near the castings 1 by transverse tie casting 1 (Fig. 4) and may be again connected near the castings 1 by transverse member 1.

The table portion comprises a supporting frame which consists of parallel tubes or rods 2. which are providedon their ends adjacent the castings 1.with L-shaped castings each having a portion2 projecting above the rods 2 and hung on a transverse rod or shaft 1 which is fastened to and between the upper ends of the castings 1 and ported on the base. Each L-shaped casting.

has a portion 2 depending below the rods 2 (Figs. 1 and 3") and projecting beyond the same and connected by a transverse shaft 2.

The other ends of the rods 2 are connected by a transverse casting 2 which is provided with dependingstuds 2 adapted to rest upon the top of the casting 1 when the table section is in lowered position (Figs. 1 and 3). This casting 2 also has a hook member 2' which is adapted to engage a catch 3 mounted upon the casting 1 to hold the frame in lowered position. This catch 3 may be mounted on a in 3 (Fig. 3") extending through the casting 1 and normally held in osition to engage the hook 2 by means 0 a spring3". The rod 3 may have a head 3 on its outer end (Fig. 1) by which it can be rocked by the hand or foot of the operator. The casting 1 may be provided with beveled lugs 1 on its upper side adapted to passbetween the studs 2 when the table section is lowered and properly align the table frame upon the base frame.

When the catch 3 is disengaged from the hook 2 the table frame is swung upwardly on the shaft 1? by spring devices hereinafter referred to.

As shown (Figs. 2, 3, 3", 4:) the rod 2 is connected to helical contractile major springs 4 and intermediate supplemental, springs 5. The springs lr are connected at their rear ends to a wing nut 4 which is engaged with a tubular adjusting bolt 41 which'passes through a central opening in the transverse member 1 of the base (see Figs. 3 and 4) and is securely held in position by a lock nut 4. The tension of the springs 4 can be regulated by adjusting the wing nut 4" toward or from the member 1". The springs 4 should be of such strength and so adjusted that if the catch 3 is disengaged andno one is lying upon the table they will hold the table in elevated position as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. Springs 4 also assist in cushioning the lowering of the tablewhen the patient'is being laid thereupon.

The rear ends of the supplemental springs '5 are connected to a collar 5* Figs.-l and 3 loosely mounted on the inner end of a rod orpipe 5" which extends through the tubular bolt 4". The. collar 5 is held con fined to the rod in position to tension the spring by any suitable means such as indicated in Fig. 3'. The rod 5 is provided with 3 notches 5 which are equally spaced apart lengthwise of the rod and are also arranged approximately 90 degrees apart around the rod (see Fig. 3); Any 'oneoi these notches may be engaged with a detent 5 (Figs. 3*. and 5) which is retained in a casting 5 screwed onto the bolt 4, the head in the rod 5.

of this detent being adapted to project through an opening in the sleeve bolt into engagement with any one oi the notches 5 yieldingly pressed inwardly by means of a spring 5 5 with which the detent is engaged can be moved out of engagement with the detent and then the springs 5 can pull the rod forward until another notch is engaged by the detent. f i j I The rod 5" has an extension 5 on its outer end which projects beyond the outer end of The detent is preferably.

By turning the rod 5" the notch the adjusting bolt 4' and extends through an opening or bearing in the end casting 1 and carries an adjusting hand wheel 5 attached thereto by which the rod 5 can be turned so as to engage any desired notch 5 therein with the detent 5 The said hand wheel 5 may be provided on its periphery with indicating notches or marks corresponding in position to the several notches on the ['(JL 5, so that by turning the wheel until the proper indicating mark is uppermost, the related notch 55 in the rod 5 will be brought into engagement with the detent 5 The rod 5 may carry a disk 5 having peripheral recesses, corresponding in positon to the marks onthe wheel 5 adapted to be engaged by a spring pressed detent or catch i to holcl rod 5 in adjusted position-see ig. 3". a i

The supplemental springs 5 are to assist in cushioning the lowering of the table with the patient thereon or lifting the table with the patient thereon. lVhen the table portion isin raised position these springs 5 become inert, and the point at which the springs 5 will become inert is determined in accordance with which notch 5 is engaged withthe detent 5. When the table is raised and the springs 5 are inert the rod5" maybe moved inwardly or. outwardly so as to move the collar 5 towardthe detent by means of small springs 5 connected to strap 5 attached to the collar 5 at one end and to the casting 1 at the other end (see Fig. 3 and 4). V

Th operating table has four cushion sections A, B, C and D. i The section D is the leg section andis slidably mounted on the table by any suitable means. As shown (Figs. 1 and 3 rods 6 are attached to its under side and slidably engage eyes fl on justed position by'means of a thumb screw 6 attached to one of thehingelevers and engaging adjacent rod 6.

The cushion member D may also be adjusted at any desired angle relative to the 'the levers 6 ('Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 6) and carries a pinion 7which meshes with a pinion 7 b on the upper end of a threaded screw 7 c which is journaled'in a yoke 7 hung on the shaft 7 and this screw engages a threaded opening in a yoke 7 pivoted to and between the side members 2 of the cushion frame.

The shaft 7 can be operated by a handle 7 P and by rotating this shaft the screw is I turned and the levers 6" and cushion D thereby adjusted to any desired angle relative to the side members 2 of the table.

The abdominal cushion C (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) is attached to bars 8, which project beyond this cushion and are hinged on a transverse rod 8 attached to castings 8 sl1dablymounted on the side members 2 ot the table and which castings are connected by the rod 8 and also bya rod 8. so that they are held in proper position.

The cushions C may be held in adjusted position either rigidly oryieldingly at the will of the operator by suitable means. As

shown 1 and 3*) links 8 are hung on a rod 8 connected to the bars 8, and carry a rockingbar 8 in which is journaled the upper end of a'screw shaftS operable by a handle 8 The lower end of shaft 8 is journaled in a block 8 swiveled. in a bail 8 hung on the shaft 8. The hangers 8 have arms 8 projecting toward the cushion C, and these arms are connected by springs 8. to

cushion C rigidly supported. For this pur-' connected with the transverse rod 8 (Figs.

2 and 3).

The: members 8. 8, 8; 8 8 S and 8" form a four-point collapsible suspension frame connecting the cushion C with the bail 8 but this four-polnt suspension frame is normally prevented from collapsing. by

the springs 8, whose resistance to collapse of thls frame is regulable by varying the I tension of the springs 8 by adjusting the nut- 8' on the shaft 8.

Thus the cushion C can be yieldingly supported by the springs 8 under more or less tension.

In some cases it is desirable to have the pose I provide means whereby the collapsible spring, controlled frame supporting the cushion C may be made rigid. As shown (Figs. 2 and 3) alatch member 8' is connected to the shaft 8 and can be turned down over the rod 8 and the lower end of this latch 8 when lowered (as shown in full lines in Fig. 3 engages the upper end To the nut 8 is pivotally connected a of tube 8, and prevents parts 8 and 8 telescoping; andparts 8, 8? and 8. then form a rigid connection brace between the bar S and rod 8 and holds the cushion C rigidly in adjusted position. I

The inclination of the cushion C, or its normal adjustment relative to :the table frame 2 is regulable by a notchedlever 8, pivoted on'the rod 8 and provided with a series of notches, which may be'engaged with the ends of a transverse pin or rod 8 connected to the hangers 8: below the nut 8 Figs. --2 and 8)-.' By varying the point of engagement of the notches in thelever 8 with the pin or rod 8 cushion C can be adjusted= at any desired inclination to the table 2, and may be yieldingly or rigidly supported in-- such adjusted. position, as desired. v

The chest cushion B isattachedto arms 9, which are hinged on the shaft8 as indicated, the chest member overlying and resting upon the standard castings 8 I prefer to form the head cushion A in two sections which-are hinged side by side longitudinally of the table (Figs. 2 and 7). These are provided with cars 10 on their under sidewhich slidably engage transverse rods 10? mounted in a bail memberlO hinged upon the rod 8' (Figs. 3 and-7). These head cushion sections may be adjusted toward and from each other by means of a lever 10 pivoted to one side of the bail, as at 10, and having a T-head. One arm of this T-head is pivoted at 1O to the under side of the left hand cushion section, and the other-arm of'this T-head is pivoted to one end of a link 10, which extendsa-cross the gap betweenthecushioned sections and By turning lever 10 on its pivot the cushion sections'can be moved toward or away from each other according to the direction of movement of the lever 10 swingablesupporting member 11 which is pivoted at one'end to" a'casting 11 on the rod 8. and its otheriend is pivoted to the outer'end of the bail 10 and is 'p-rovidetl with an operating handle 11 so that this bracket can be swung to the right or left. The portion of the member 11 adjacent the shaft 8 is curved on an arcconcentric with said shaft'and is provided with a number of notches 11 any one of which may be engaged with the tie rod 8 between the castings 8". The member 11 is normally held in central position vertically beneath the headrest by means ot'springs 11 (Figs. and 5) on opposite sides of the members and connected therewith and with the adjacent j side castings 8". I

I The head cushion may be supported in 'various ad usted posltions by means of a is pivotally connected, to the opposite cush E105 ion section.

porting member ll is swung laterally out" of engagement withathe rod 8' and thehead cushion adjusted by hand to the i a desired angle,-:then the. member 111 is released and.

"is connected to supports 12 attached to -rods 12*, which telescope into theadj-acent ends of the side tube 2 of the table frame. This ifOOiJ rest may be adjusted towardor from' the adjacent end of the cushion D, and held in adjusted position, by means of abail 12 PlVOtlIllYrCOIlHGCtdwtO the supports 12' and having an extension on its inner end prowhich may be engaged with a transverserod 112 attachedvto the'side membersfl, as indicated in Figs. land 3'.

a A hand cushion 13may table 2 beneath the head cushion A, so that the patient when lying face downward on the table mayrest his hands on said cushion.

The base frame may be provided with a (come into or go out of eifectlve operation topplate 15 1, 3" and 5) to cover the spring mechanism, and protectthemtrom dust or from being tampered Wltll 3 Operation.

4 NVhen a patientis to ,beplacedupon the table; the catch 3 is disengaged allowing the table frameto swing upwardly to approximately the position indicated indotted lines in Fig. 1'. The patient then steps upon the support 12 with his back or face to the cushions, then thetable is lowered with the patient to theu position shown in full lines in Fig. 1. a

The majorsprings 4 hold the table normally int-raised position. when released by the catch, and cushion the lowering of the table. The springs5 come intoplay as the ;table is lowered. By shiftinglthe point of engagement of the rod 5* with the *detent 5 a so the time when the springs .5 will come into action and the strength thereof canbe -va-- ried, so that the operator can cause these sprmgsto offer more or lessresistance to lowering of the table, and more or less help in; raising the tablewith the patient thereon, according to the weight of the patient.

The head cushion members may be readily ad usted together; or spaced apart,accord1ng V V I base section; a table sect on pivoted thereon;

to whetherthe patient is tobe face uppermost orface downward on thetable.

the four-point :frame suspende'd by the" springs 8 the tension ofthese springs and vided with a series of notches any one of be mounted on the nected with the table sectlon; and means: tel:

with tube; 81?, asindicated in Figs. 11 and :3 or by turninggthis member8to the position 1indicateddn-sdotted lines, in Fig. r 3%; The

cushion C I will be yieldinglyi supported by resistanceofthecushiornG to depression bemgyregulable by adjusting the put 8?.

The: capability. of the various partsfor adjustment and the means ifor adjustingfib same, "and the operation ofc the minor parts have all been hereinbefore clearly set forth.

The: advantages :of; the invention and: utility of the table will beireadilyappreciated by base section; a table section pivoted thereon;

major spring means connected to the table section; an adjustable tubular sleeve con- 85 nected to thebase, a member on said sleeve connected with the major spring means whereby the tension of the spring means can be adjusted; supplemental spring means conescopings'aid sleevewhereby the supplemental spring means may be adjusted, so as to vary=the point at which such springs will 2. Ina table of the character specified; a

base section; a table section pivoted thereon;

major spring means connecting the base and table sections; supplemental spring means with thespring means to regulate the tension ofthe supplemental springs and vary the point at which such springs will come into or go out of efl'ective operation; and means on the base engaging, said notched 1105 member. j I p j In a table of the character specified; a base section; a table section pivoted thereon; major spring means connected to the table section; an adjustable memberconnected to the base and with the major 'springmeans whereby the. tension of the spring meanscan be adjusted supplemental spring means connected with the table; a longitudinally movable notched rod connected with the base whereby the supplemental spring means may be. adjusted and a retainer on the base engaging thenotchcs in said=rod so as to [vary the adjustment of therrod andthe point at which such springs willvcomeinto or go out of effective operation.

.4. A. table of the character specified; a

with the spring means and having spaced notches around its periphery; and a retainer on the base adaptedto engagethe notched shaft according to its rotative position to regulate the tension of the supplemental springs andvary the point at which such springs will come intoor go out of effective operation. I l I r In apparatus of the character specified; acushion hinged to the frame; a swingable member hingedly connected to the cushion and movable transversely of the cushion and provided with notches adapted to engage a related device to hold the cushion in an angularly adjusted position.

6. In an apparatus as specified in claim 5; springs connected with opposite sides of the swingable member to normally hold same in position beneath the cushion.

7. In an apparatus of the character specified; a hinged cushion supporting frame; a swingable member hingedly connected to the frame and movable transversely of the cushion; and a relatively fixed rod; said swingable member having notches adapted to engage the rod to hold the cushion in an angularly adjusted position.

8. In anapparatus as specified in claim 7; springs connected with opposite sides of this swingablemember to normally hold same in position beneath the cushion.

- 9. In apparatus of the character specified; a cushion; a hinged bail supporting said cushion; a swingable member having one end connected in line with the hinge of the bail and its other endhingedly connected to the bail; the supporting member being swingable transversely of the cushion and provided with notches in the portion adjacent the hinge of the cushion, and a device adapted to be engaged by one of these notches to hold the cushion in angularly adjusted position.

10. In an apparatus as specified in claim 9, springs connected with opposite sides of the swingable member to normally hold same in position beneath the cushion.

11. In apparatus of the character specified; a hinged cushion; a screw shaft swingably connected with the cushion; a pivotally mounted yoke having a threaded portion engaged by the screw shaft, and means for rotating the screw shaft to angular-1y adjust the cushion substantially as described.

12. In apparatus of the character specified; a frame; a cushion; bars hinged to the frame and supporting the cushion; a slidable connection between the cushion and the bars; a transverse shaft; a screw shaft swingably connected with the transverse shaft; a yoke pivotally mounted on the frame and having a threaded portion engaged by said screw shaft; and gearing between the transverse shaft and screw shaft; whereby when the.

Y screw shaft is turned the cushion is angularly adjusted on the frame.

13. In a table of the character specified; a supporting frame; a cushion hingedly connected to the-frame; a swinging member suspended from thiscushion member; a second swinging member hinged on the supporting frame; a rotatable shaft supported by the said swinging members; a traveling nut on said shaft, and spring -means connecting said nut with one of said members substantiallyvas described.-

14. In combination with the mechanism set forth in claim 13; means for preventing effective action of the springs; and means whereby the'springs can be rendered effective when it is desired to have the spring yieldingly support the cushion member.

15. In combination with mechanism set forth in claim 13; a member forrendering the spring ineffective; and means whereby this member can be rendered ineffective when it is desired to have the'spring yieldingly support the cushion member.

16. Ina table of the character specified; a supporting frame; a cushion hingedly .connected to the frame; a swinging member suspended from the cushion; .a second swinging member hinged on the supporting frame; a rotatable shaft supported by the said swinging'members; a traveling nut-on said shaft; springs connecting said nut with one of said members; a telescopic brace member pivot-ally connected with the swinging'members and adapted to permit the springs .to yieldingly support the cushion; and means whereby this brace member can be rendered rigid when it is desired to have the cushion unyielding. j

17 In a table of the character specified; a supporting frame; a cushion hingedly connected to the frame; a swinging member suspended from the cushion; a second swinging member hinged on the supporting frame; a rotatable shaft having bearings respectively supported by the said swinging members; a traveling nut on said shaft; springs connecting said nut with one of said members; a telescopic brace member pivotally connected with the swinging members and permitting the springs to yieldingly support the cushion; and means whereby tlllS'bl'flCB member can be rendered rigid when it is desired to have the abdominal member rigidly supported.

18. In apparatus of the character specified; a hinged cushion; links suspended from said cushion; a member hinged adjacent the hinge of the cushion; a screw shaft having bearings respectively supported by said links and said hinged member; a traveling nut on said shaft; and springs connecting this nut with said hinged member.

19. In apparatus as set forth in claim 18; means for rendering the springs ineffective.

20. In apparatus as set forth in claim 18; a member adapted to render the springs ineffective and thereby support the cushion rigidly; and means to render this member ineffective and permit the springs to yieldingly support the'cushion.

21. In apparatus of the character specified; a cushiong hinged bars supporting said "cushion;,links suspended 'from said bars; a

bail hinged adjacent the hinge of the bars;

a screw shaft; bearings therefor respec tively supported on the links and onsaid swingingmember'; a traveling nut on said shaft; and springs connectingsaid nut with saidibail. a

22.1napparatus as set forthin claim 16; a: member ada ed to render the springs inefl'ective and tiereby' have the cushion rigidly supported; and means to render this member ineffective and permit the springs to yieldingly supportthe: cushion. i

23'. In a paratus: of the character: specified, an a dominal member; hinged bars supporting said-memberg links suspended from'said barsya bailisuspended from the frame adjacent athehingesof the bars theretoga screw shaftgbearin s therefor respectively pivotallyisupporte by the links and by said swinging" member a I traveling nut onsaidshaft; arms connected to said swingingv member; springs connecting said nut with said arms; and disconnectible means connectingthe linksand member to render theusprings effective or inefi'ective at will of the operator. i 1 a 24; In apparatuses set forth in claim 16; a telescopic member comprising a tube and arodrespectively pivotally connected to the bail adjacent the bearing of the shaft there- 7 in and tothe pivot of the links, and'a locking member pivotally connected to the pivots of the bail adapted'in one position. to render the said collapsible member rigid.

25. In apparatus of the characterv speci 'fiedinclaim 18; a telescopic membercomprising a tube and a rod respectivelypivotally connected to the bail adjacent-the bearing of the shaft therein and to the 'pivot of the links, anda locking member pivoteollapsible member rigid. r 26. Inum'echanism as set forth inclaim 18; means adaptedto vary the-inclination ofthe cushion; i In mechanism as set forth in claim 18, an. adjusting pivoted lever having notches adapted to engage the lower end of hinged member to vary the inclination of the abdominal "cushion.

28, In mechanism as set :forth in claim 21; an adjusting lever" pivotedto: the frame and having notches adaptedvto engage the lower end of the hingeimember torvary the inclinationiof the cushion. i

29. In mechanism as set forth inclaim 23;

an adjusting leverrpi voted to. the 'frameiand having notches adapted to engage the lower endiof the bail, toii'a'ry the inclination? of the abdominal. cushion. i i In testimony 'thatiI claim the foregoing as my own, I aflimmy signature. Y

r IWIILLLIAME GQ WILLIAMS.

ally connected -to thel pivots of the bail. adapted in one position to render the said 

